UTV HAS declined to comment on a claim by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) that a company executive touted for business last week after it was announced that Independent Network News (INN) would cease trading.

NUJ Irish secretary Séamus Dooley said it was not right for UTV radio chief executive Ronan McManamy, who is a member of the INN board, to send an e-mail to INN clients stating an intention to establish a replacement service.

INN, which provides national news coverage to a number of local radio stations, announced last Thursday that it would cease trading on October 30th, with the loss of 16 jobs, as the business was no longer financially viable.

Mr Dooley said Mr McManamy had sent the e-mail just 24 hours after staff were briefed about INN’s wind-up and that he had contacted the Director of Corporate Enforcement to request an investigation into the INN board.

“The Director of Corporate Enforcement should determine whether it is appropriate for an INN director to canvass for business against the interests of INN while the company is still trading and when the company is in consultation with staff,” he said.

In the e-mail, Mr McManamy said UTV hoped its service would replicate many of the good aspects of the INN service but without the same financial risk. He said he would appreciate if interested stations could forward details of their specific news requirements by e-mail.

INN is owned by 16 independent radio station shareholders. UTV has a stake of some 40 per cent.